Exploring Technology in a Wizard World

Marquis Vian pointed at Soron and introduced with a smile to Richard, "Master Wizard Richard, look, this is my strongest subordinate, a Five-Pattern Elite Magic Knight. Of course, he's no match for you, since you are a wizard, but I think he should barely be able to withstand one of your attacks."

"Close enough," Richard said.

"Then let's see, how should we test it? Should we go out to the open space?"

"No need, it's fine right here. Tell your subordinate to be careful not to hurt himself," Richard replied.

"Alright then." Marquis Vian nodded and turned his head to issue a serious command to Soron, "Did you hear that, Soron? The Master Wizard wants you to test his combat level. Defend with all your might to avoid being hurt by the Master Wizard's spells, or there'll be no one to save you."

"Yes, Marquis!" Soron responded in a deep voice.

After speaking, with a "whoosh," Soron stood up, his body half bent like a predator ready to pounce, staring at Richard. More in the posture of attacking than defending, the magic runes on his armor activated, luminous lines flowing with a dangerous aura, like a bayonet ready to pierce at any moment, he was in a combat-ready state.

In contrast, Richard remained seated, still looking at Marquis Vian, one hand holding a teacup, unhurried and without an ounce of seriousness.

"Gulp."

After taking a sip of tea, Richard then casually flicked his finger, sending out a spark as feeble as a firefly towards Soron.

Marquis Vian frowned, feeling that Richard's behavior was somewhat... contemptuous.

Yes, contemptuous.

Even though he was not a wizard, he could still tell that the spark released by Richard didn't possess much power. It might not even harm an ordinary person, let alone a Five-Pattern Elite Magic Knight.

But as a noble, Marquis Vian had enough decorum to refrain from drawing conclusions too early. He smiled at Richard and watched to see how things would develop.

He saw the spark from Richard's fingertip slowly approach Soron, getting closer, and closer…

Five meters, three meters, one meter…

At this moment, Soron's expression became distorted, his face flushed red as he watched the approaching spark, his hands clenched. As a warrior, he lacked the noble refinement of Marquis Vian, nor did he need it. What he possessed was the formidable combat strength of a Magic Knight and… a matching sense of pride.

As a Magic Knight, he could feel more clearly than Marquis Vian that the spark released by Richard really had no strength, indistinguishable from a normal spark emanating from flames.

If such a spark hit someone, it could possibly cause a blister on bare skin. But if it hit him, the most likely outcome would be that it would be nullified by his armor.

This was too much!

This was an insult!

Eyes fixed on Richard, Soron clenched his teeth in anger.

Did the opponent think he was so weak?

Or perhaps, the opponent was all show and no substance, not a wizard but a charlatan. Unable to cast real spells, could only perform such tricks?

He must teach the opponent a lesson!

So Soron thought as the spark drew even closer, now just a few centimeters away, seemingly about to touch his armor.

Watching the still unchanging spark, Soron no longer cared, contemplating whether to just let the spark fall on his Iron Armor and snuff out.

Then, the spark closed to within ten centimeters.

For some reason, Soron felt a sudden chill, a sense of danger pervading his entire body.

What's going on?

Soron's face changed color, his expression confused, unable to locate the source of danger. His eyes rapidly scanned, passing over Richard's meaningful smile, before his gaze locked onto the spark about to touch him.

Could it be this thing?

But how could that be?

Soron's mind was in chaos, but his survival instincts spurred a subconscious reaction, quickly retreating backward, preparing to dodge the spark.

Unexpectedly, as he stepped back, the spark suddenly accelerated, pursuing him like a clinging plague.

In an instant, the feeling of danger intensified to the extreme.

Soron's eyes contracted, turning into two black dots, a premonition that if he was really hit by this spark, it wouldn't just injure him, it would be a severe wound.

Then!

"Slash!"

Soron violently drew the Two-handed Greatsword slung on his back, ready to swat the spark away.

However, the spark accelerated again, drawing a thin line of fire, and as he brought his sword down to swat it, "pop" it struck his Armor.

Time seemed to halt for an instant.

When the standstill ended, a dazzling white light flashed from Soron's chest, followed by the emergence of a Fireball.

"Boom!" There was a loud explosion, and Soron was uncontrollably blown backward, crashing outside the living room with a "thud," landing heavily on the ground and not moving.

This!

Sitting on the living room seat, Marquis Vian's expression instantly froze, he had never expected such an outcome, never imagined that a spark would have such power, easily defeating his strongest Magic Knight.

This wasn't the level of a Peak Second-level Wizard, or even a newly advanced Third-level Wizard, was it? Even some seasoned Third-Level Wizards couldn't be this terrifying?

Feeling the shock, Marquis Vian slowly turned to look at Richard.

Richard, sensing his gaze, spoke up, "Don't worry, Marquis Vian, your subordinate is just temporarily knocked out, not dead. His internal organs might be damaged, but a few months of rest should be enough. Actually, this is also my fault. I'm always studying different things and seldom engage in combat, so I can't control my strength when I do act. Otherwise, this wouldn't have happened. Sigh."

Saying that, Richard shook his head, looking somewhat self-reproachful.

"Uh..." Marquis Vian uttered from his throat, grasping the meaning behind Richard's words, then took a second to compose himself and put on a smile.

"Ha!" Marquis Vian laughed, "Master Wizard Richard, you are really too modest. How could this be your fault? It's entirely my subordinate's lack of skill. It seems that Master Wizard Richard, your capabilities are much higher than you claim. Truly an eye-opener."

At this moment, Marquis Vian's thoughts were clear. He had wanted to probe Richard's level, and Richard had shown him far more than he had anticipated. That was enough for him. As for the details, he had no interest or capability to delve into them.

All he wanted was a result. Now that it was confirmed that Richard's strength was at least on par with a newly advanced Third-level Wizard, it was entirely possible to try reaching out to Richard.

Perhaps they could develop an even closer relationship?